Chapter Six: 299 AC, Slaver's Bay, Essos
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The collecting of the Unsullied and the sacking of Astapor, Yunkai and Meereen were beautifully handled. The Unsullied turned on their Good Masters the moment she ordered them too and then were pleased to release the slaves that had been so badly mistreated. Kraznys mo Nakloz's home was sacked by survivors and using the gold, Visenya had her army. Valyrian and the other dragons were growing quickly on a healthy diet and freedom to watch what was going on around them, Valyrian and Moonfyre were now almost big enough to ride and Visenya was looking forward to their first flight. Daenerys had wanted to make a carrier for them, but Jacaerys reminded them that when dragons were locked up, they didn't grow properly nor were they able to defend themselves if something happened. Look what happened to the dragons in the Dragonpit in Kings Landing.
She had not originally planned to attack Yunkai or Meereen but after they found a little girl staked to a piece of wood 163 miles from the Yunkai, she had changed her mind. She had never been a fan of slavers but had left them alone because she was not raised in Essos and what did she knew of their culture or lives? She also planned to return to Westeros, leaving no one to care for Essos is she conquered places. But seeing those children, one on every mile market between them and Yunkai, between the ages five to ten, had roused her temper in the likes she had never felt before.
The cities had fallen quickly, due mainly to the dragons and Visenya had been quite harsh on the Good Masters of Astapor, the Wise Masters of Yunkai and the Great Masters of Meereen. She had executed all the Lords who participated in the slave trade and their heirs, who had been taught at their fathers knee the family business because she didn't think any of them could change. She had then placed the youngest son, who were used to being brushed aside and cared for by the slaves their fathers scorned, in positions of power and left them to create a Great Council, who would rule their cities without slaves and a threat that should she ever discover they tried to bring the slave trade back, she would raise their city to the ground with her dragons. With sixteen dragons, and a violet eyes promising retribution, the threat was taken seriously and the boys had promised to lead well.
At last report, every freed slave was now working and received wages. They had homes and were reunited with families after being freed from the mines. All those who were sold to become Unsullied were saved and returned to their homes or for those who didn't remember or know their homes, were sent to Visenya and her Unsullied took care of them in the way everything had been denied to them. If they wanted to fight, they taught them to fight but not under the conditions they themselves had learned. Visenya promised they would have a home in Westeros when they took the Iron Throne back.
Shortly after they took Astapor, Visenya was introduce to Grey Worm. He was one of the best in the Unsullied and it was him she had picked as a Commander above all others, she explained she had something that could regrow body parts, it would give them their dignity back and allow them to have families one day if they wished it. In that moment, after he informed the others, the Unsullied became totally loyal to Visenya Targaryen and not because she bought them or pretended to but because she restored something their masters had taken when they were but boys against their wills.
When they had gone to Valyria, Visenya had found an ancient text about what dragon blood could do if it had been collected correctly. Pure dragon blood could bring someone back from the brink of death and would regrow body parts but couldn't heal wounds caused by dark magic, like the goodswife, Mirri had done to Drogo. After they had found the eggs, Visenya had been walking around, when the ground had given way beneath her dropping her into an underground cavern. Inside had been large cavern big enough to hold a full-grown dragon, it had been filled with books and against one wall from top to bottom, were tiny vials filled with a gleaming red liquid. It had taken them to figure out what everything was and how it worked or was made of but they had.
When she learned that the vials were filled with dragon blood, she was disgusted. Why would the Valyrian's bleed their own dragons? she had asked herself. Then they learned that the blood had to be willingly donated in order for it to work. There had been over two hundred thousand vials found. They had carefully wrapped them in padded cases and then filled over a thousand heavy duty chests with them. The three ships carrying them had been sent to Pentos with a guard of fifty people loyal to her family to keep all of the treasures safe. They had taken a hundred chests with them into the Dothraki horde, filled with ten thousand vials and the dragon eggs just to be one the safe side.
Now she handed those vials out to the Unsullied. As she walked by them, they reached out stroking her arms in thanks and the High Valyrian word for Queen was being muttered, Dāria. It had taken them less time than she thought to siege all three cities and get them under control. They had been in Slaver's Bay for a five and half moons now and the deadline for ships was coming upon them. Everyday someone stood watch by the docks, watching and waiting, with a spyglass facing across the sea towards Westeros.
There was nothing left to do but sit and wait now. Visenya filled her time with helping the people, who had been slaves all their lives. She made sure they had homes, food and work. The sons of the Great Master's who had been elevated due to Visenya taking over their home, found themselves actually liking life more now that everyone had more rights and there wasn't blood or bodies in the streets due to revolts. Many people called Visenya Mhysa as she passed them in the streets and rumor of her spread to the Free Cities about the Breaker of Chains and Visenya couldn't help but smile. Already her reputation had grown as it had once been as Daella, she hoped the bastard King knew of her success and feared the day she would come for his head. Every time she looked around she felt her chest swell with pride. They had done this; they had given these people a better life.
During the conquering of Yunkai, Jacaerys was given the title, Commander of the Dothraki, after they successfully took the city, without heavy loss of life for woman and children and he sent a lot of time in the Dothraki camp. Visenya had never been so proud of him and he had also earned his spurs when he saved Ser Gerald Hightower's life. The Lord Commander of the Kingsguard had knighted him before all the people of Yunkai and their warriors. He was the second youngest knight to ever earn his spurs. Jacaerys had felt honored that it was the Lord Commander that knighted him but he would never forget his aunts face when he said his Oath before thousands of people.
Daenerys, Roslin and Lillian followed Visenya around learning. Daenerys knew she would one day have to wed again so she soaked up everything the other woman had to teach about being a Lady in Westeros. Roslin was now the next in line to become Queen of the Seven Kingdoms and Visenya beamed as she watched her take up those duties easily, easily slipping into the role as she helped Visenya. Roslin was a kind and gentle woman when it was called for but had a spine of steel. Visenya knew it would serve her well in Kings Landing, when she was once more surrounded by the vipers of Westeros. She would also be a good helping hand when Jacaerys took the Iron Throne. Where he was hard she was soft, they complimented each other well.
Once they had taken Meereen, Ser Jorah's fate was discussed for the last time. He had been a traitor to Ned Stark but served them well. Visenya had finally decided that his life rested in Robb Stark's hands but they could offer him some protection. Ser Jorah was the first man to join the Queensguard in more than seventeen years, as the last one appointed had been Jaime Lannister during the Tourney of Harrenhal. Once that decision was made, Ser Gerald and Ser Oswell decided it was time and they pulled out their White Cloaks for the first time in almost two decades. Ser Jorah swore his oath, thankful for what the Dragon Queen was offering him and then bore his White Cloak with a great amount of pride.
He had written to his aunt Maege about his appointment and told her that he would never fight his claim for Bear Island, even if he was released from his vows. He wasn't sure if the raven would reach her given all the moving around the Northern army had done. Even across the Narrow Sea, they had heard about Robb Stark's victories. Including the fact, Jaime Lannister was currently a prisoner in the Wolf Kings Camp. Visenya had mixed feelings about that piece of news, as everyone knew they had been close friends before the Rebellion, not to mention he was supposed to be watching over the Stark girls, who were hostages in Kings Landing at the moment.
At the moment, they were all gathered in the Great Pyramid of Meereen. It was getting dark but Visenya had ordered everyone to gather to talk about something only she knew. They filed into her solar one by one and when the room was fill, baring Ser Arthur, Ser Gerald, Ser Oswell, Ser Jorah, Daario, Rakharo, Grey Worm, Visenya, Jacaerys, Daenerys, Roslin and Lillian, one of the Unsullied guards closed the door and then stood watch in the hallway.
"What's this about?" Jacaerys asked, looking to his aunt who was standing by the window watching the bay. The setting sun was visible through the window and made her red dress glitter like fire. She didn't usually call them all together unless something important happened. He shot a curious look to Ser Arthur but only gained a shrug in response. He found that unusual because Ser Arthur was his aunts closest advisor and usually knew everything. There was a reason he had believed they were his parents for years. There was an intimacy between them that wasn't sexual, but made them closer than most ladies and Sworn Shields.
Visenya didn't turned around at his words but answered his question, "Varys wrote to me," she commented, instantly gaining the whole rooms attention. Everyone knew the Spider had been reporting to goings on of Westeros to her for years. "The Redwyne's have sent two hundred war ships, one hundred merchant carracks, wine cogs, trading galleys and whalers. Dorne has also sent along four hundred ships. Half of the fleet from Kings Landing has abandoned Joffrey Waters under the orders of Lord Monford Velaryon and have set sail for Essos. That's another three hundred ships and shortly after that, Theon Greyjoy rebelled against his father and took the Iron Fleet, sailing not North but South. He was on his way with a hundred and fifty ships but they were forced to engage with Stannis Baratheon and they lost half of their ships and no one is quite sure where they are now," she said, shocking everyone before turning to face them.
Jacaerys and Daenerys were staring at her with wide eyes, "Isn't that a good thing?" the young Princess asked, wondering what Visenya knew that they didn't.
Visenya nodded, "It's a very good thing, it means we can go home but its also bad because the Lannister's are now going to do everything in their power to make sure we don't make it to Westeros. I wouldn't be surprised if assassins were on their way here as we speak," she said slumping ungracefully into her chair at the head of the table. Lillian was quick to offer her a goblet of wine as the others shared looks of surprise and weariness between themselves. None of them had even thought of assassins. To be honest, Ser Gerald was surprised their conversation hadn't come up before. They hadn't exactly been hiding since Daenerys wed Khal Drogo. All of Essos had heard about it, so Westeros obviously knew as well.
Varys had little birds everywhere after all.
Ser Gerald was quick to note his Queen's exhaustion and cut the conversation before it could go further. To be honest, the news she had delivered, probably should have waited until morning. "Why don't we convene again tomorrow to plan. Its late and I won't be surprised if ships start arriving soon if everything Varys says is true," he said calmly, shooting a look to his fellow warriors. His fellow knights nodded and were quick to usher everyone from the room, until only Ser Gerald, Ser Oswell and Ser Arthur were left.
Visenya signed from her spot at the table, "Varys also writes to tell me the two eldest Stark sisters are not doing well in the capital and that Joffrey torments them. Apparently the younger girl went missing when Lord Stark was arrested. I cannot help but think of Elia and her children trapped in Kings Landing with my father during the rebellion," she confessed the heavy thoughts that had been bothering her since the raven had arrived.
Oswell signed and looked at her with gentle eyes, "Visenya," he said softly and her violet eyes looked up slowly, "None of this is your fault. Everything that has happened over the years, was Rhaegar's." It burned him to admit that but Oswell knew it was true. Rhaegar had lost himself to prophecy, left his true wife and children and ran off with Lyanna Stark sending the realm into Rebellion. When the realm was falling to rebellion, he and his fellow Kingsguard were stuck guarding a tower while their charges went into battle and died. He would never admit it, nor would Gerald, but they had both been terrified when word had come Visenya was missing.
It had always been their duty to watch over the Targaryen family and there they were, two countries away when their Prince died. When the King, Princesses and little Prince were slaughtered in their own home and their other Princess went missing off the battlefield. For weeks they had waited for news, something that said Daella still lived. None had come until the morning Lyanna had gone into labour. They had almost dropped with relief when Arthur announced he could see her coming upon the tower.
Arthur signed at his brothers words and nodded, "He's right Visenya. You've done nothing but survive all these years. The Stark's daughters are not in the same position as Elia right now. Cersei would never allowed her son to kill them, because then Robb Stark would have no reason to hold back against their people. Not to mention he would execute Jaime Lannister and gathering the rumors surrounding those two, you know the lioness would never let it happen. Those girls are safe for now. Elia was different. If Dorne had done anything to anger your father, she would have been burned alive with wildfire," he said making all of them grimace at the picture he painted in their minds.
He wasn't wrong, that was for sure.
Visenya nodded and then looked out the window at the sinking sun, "I still remember when I was a little girl and my father wasn't concerned about dragons and wildfire. I remember when he used to return to Kings Landing after being away and how he would scoop me up into his arms telling me how much he missed me. Knowing that, its hard to reconcile him with the man he became," she muttered softly. Ser Gerald had been around the Targaryen family the longest and he too looked wistful as thoughts of the past surfaced. Everything had gone to the seven hells after the Defiance of Duskendale and Ser Gerald still thought Tywin Lannister had a hand in what happened, even if her refused to admit it.
Arthur signed, "It's over and done with Visenya. All we can do is move forward. Mourn for those you've lost but remember your not alone. You've got your sister, your nephew and you've got us," he said, the other men nodding their agreement. Visenya's face softened and she nodded, "Thank you Arthur," she whispered. The Sword of Morning nodded, "All you have to do is ask, and I'm there," he promised. She smiled at him before wishing him a goodnight, mind whirling with thoughts and plans as she tried to figure out a way to work this new news to her advantage.
The next morning, they didn't get a chance to have that meeting. Visenya was woken when Arthur and Lillian entered her chambers, announcing that ships bearing the Redwyne, Velaryon and half a dozen dornish banners were seen entering the bay and would be there soon. Lillian had swept in quickly to get her ready and Visenya was partially filled with glee to meet people from home and fear that something would go wrong before the day was finished. Her long hair was braided and wrapped around her head like a crown with finely crafted white beads and red, black and diamond jewels woven through it. She bore a Valyrian steel circlet that was shaped like a dragon. The head stood above her own facing forward, the wings stretched out across her forehead and the tail dipped between her eyes, lightly decorated with rubies.
Her gown was simple. A thin silver collar wrapped around her neck, fabric meeting at the hallow of her throat, where it then hung in a river of white and cream silk. It clung to her body and she wore a thick valyrian steel belt, that was shaped like scales, just below her breasts. On her feet were a simple pair of slippers. She didn't see the point of wearing her boots as she was going to be inside the Great Pyramid all day and didn't both belting on her sword, because she knew Arthur wouldn't leave her side no matter what. The coming emissaries may have been from Westeros but that didn't mean there wasn't assassins among them.
Once she was ready, Arthur opened her chamber door and she was met with the sight of Ser Gerald and Ser Oswell, dressed in their Queensguard armor, white cloaks and armoured to the teeth. This would be their first official connection with Westeros in years and they wanted everything to go smoothly. The easiest way for that to happen, was for everyone to realize they were still the greatest warriors in the Seven Kingdoms. Even Arthur, who was no longer part of the Queensguard, was dressed in armor and on his back, her wore a black cloak with a large three headed red dragon, something she herself had spent hours making. The white line of silk on the collar, told anyone who paid attention that while he wasn't part of the Queensguard anymore, but that he had surpassed that, letting everyone know he was still bound to the Targaryen as a knight, only now a sword-sword.
"Are you ready for this your grace?" Ser Gerald asked, his eyes sparkling with pride as he looked at her.
Visenya nodded, "More than ready," she said with a smile.
Together, they left the upper pyramid. Their other companions joining them one by one. Jacaerys was dressed in Targaryen colors, wearing a simple valyrian steel crown which bore seven rubies around the band. On his arm was Roslin. The future Queen of the Seven Kingdoms was dressed in an Essos gown of black with red accents, showing her alliance to their house. Her hair was left long down her back, with two braids pulling it back from her face and she bowed lightly to the Queen Regent when they met, remembering the etiquettes of Westeros at the sight of Visenya looking so queenly.
Shortly after that, they were joined by Daenerys, who was in the company of Missandei of Naath. A young girl who had been a slave in Astapor, who Daenerys was quick to adopt. The two girls spent a lot of time together and Visenya didn't mind that her sister made another friend. She, Missandei and Roslin were thick as thieves and Visenya knew it would serve them well in the future. Jacaerys and Roslin bound the Riverlands into alliance with the crown and when Daenerys wed, she would do the same. If Missandei stayed with them and wed someone in Westeros, it would be a boon for her house. Visenya knew none of the three would ever betray her and whoever they wed would create a powerful alliance.
Grey Worm and Daario were waiting at the entrance of the throne room, both dressed in their best armor, blades sheathed at their side. Six other Unsullied stood guard and all bowed when their Queen arrived. Grey Worm straightened, "The visitors have arrived at port Mhysa. I sent Ser Jorah down to escort them," he reported in High Valyrian. He and the other officers in the Unsullied army were still leaning Westerosi and he struggled frequently, instead preferring his mother tongue. Visenya nodded, "Well done Grey Worm," she said softly. He nodded and then moved aside to allow her to enter the room.
Visenya took a breath and reminded herself that she was the Queen Regent of Westeros and the Queen of Slaver's Bay, no one would see her weak. That thought soothed her anxiety and she nodded to the guards to open the doors. Once they did, silence fell from the throne room, where all the Great Masters and anyone of importance were already gathered. Visenya had made it more than clear that if she had too, she was going to reconquer Westeros and Slaver's Bay would be allied to the Iron Throne. This meeting today, was important.
Ser Gerald and Daario lead the way into the room, everyone falling into the formation Roslin had made them memorise. The least important first, the Queen last. Lillian and Missandei entered behind them, followed by Daenerys as the Princess of the realm, then Jacaerys as the heir and Roslin, his bride to be. Visenya entered last with Arthur at her right shoulder and ser Oswell at her left, Grey Worm at their backs. Everyone bowed as she entered and Visenya's eyes took in the throne room eagerly. She had only used it a few times before.
Right after they took the city, where she sentenced the Great Masters and their heirs to death and then raised the youngest son to the head of their house. The next time had been when she explained to the Great Masters how their world would now work as allies to the Targaryen's and once they won to the Iron Throne. This was only the third time she would use this room in an official capacity and her eyes took in everyone gathered and then went to the large banner of the red three headed dragon that was hanging against the wall to the right of the stone chair which overlooks the whole room.
The throne room is smaller than the one in the Red Keep and Visenya can't help but long for home at the sight of the stone bench. It is so different from home. At the bottom of the large staircase, there are two steps which lead to a small platform where anyone coming to air their grievances will stand to speak. In front of that was ten stairs, which lead up to a second platform where her advisors and her herald would stand. Then there is another staircase of five steps going to the top of the staircase where the stone bench rests, in front of an open doorway that leads from further into the Heart of the Pyramid.
There are Unsullied stationed around the chamber and Visenya relaxes slightly as she takes her first step onto the staircase. Jacaerys, Roslin and Daenerys followed her to the top, where he stands on her right with Roslin beside him and Daenerys stands on her left, presenting a united front as family. Two Unsullied stand behind them on either side of the doorway with their spears at attention. On the platform below them, Ser Arthur and Ser Gerald take their places on either side of the staircase, Lillian and Missandei standing on either side as they watch the room. Ser Oswell and Grey Worm take their places at the bottom of the staircase, below the last platform and they wait.
A screech from outside gain everyone's attention and they turned towards the largest window in the room, in time to see the dragons appear on by one. In the lead is Valyrian, who they had come to call the King of Dragons as no one challenged him, who was no longer as small as he had once been. The dragon was now the size of a horse and would soon be large enough to ride. He settled to her right side, half curled around the stone bench, head up and watching the room curiously. At his side was Sunfyre, who had stayed practically glued to Visenya, and was sat down in front of her, with her head in Visenya's lap.
Moonfyre, Dreamfyre and Drogon were quick to join their riders. Moonfyre only slightly smaller than Valyrian and the two others slightly smaller than him. The rest of the dragons follow and as if they had rehearsed it, quickly landed and then turned towards the doors, as though they had turned to stone. They did not even shuffle in the sudden silence that dominated the room at their appearance. Balerion and Vhagar settled on the top platform, on either side of the Unsullied guard. Rhaegal, Silverwing, Stormcloud and Moondancer settled on the middle platform, two on either side with Missandei in front of them and the other two behind Lillian. Viserion, Meraxes, Quicksilver and Rhaelle settled down on the floor on either side of the bottom staircase, in front of the small water pools that were on either side of the stairs. Urrax was the last to land and he chose the center platform, where he sprawled out in front of the stairs, as though daring someone to try and pass him.
To everyone watching, Visenya was the perfect image of the Dragon Queen.
Lillian Flowers, now Lillian Hightower after Visenya had legitimized her for her loyalty, smiled lightly as she looked around the throne room. She had been surprised to learn that Ser Gerald was her great uncle and humbled by knowing him. He had agreed when Visenya had broached the subject of her being given her fathers name and she felt honored. She had been in the service of Visenya Targaryen for sixteen years since they had fled Dragonstone so many years before. She had traveled all over Essos with Visenya and she had helped raise Jacaerys Targaryen, he had even called her Aunt Lily as a child.
She sometimes missed the younger years, where they weren't fighting a war but she was happy with the life she had been given. Things had been coming together over the last year. They were getting ready to return to Westeros and had plans to take Dragonstone along the way. Lillian couldn't wait to step foot back in her homeland because as much as she had enjoyed Essos, she missed her homeland. It had been years since she had stepped foot in Oldtown and part of her looked forward to the day she would one day return to her family. Her father probably didn't even know she was still alive, given what happened when the Baratheon's had seized the Targaryen's ancestral home.
She had been apart of this crazy group, who acted like a family, for sixteen years and she couldn't help but wonder what would happen when they returned home. She had come to love Visenya as a sister and she also knew she would never marry again. Her husband had been a knight of her fathers household and she had loved him since they were children. She didn't think she would ever be able to feel half as much for someone else as she had for him.. She still remembered her first husband who had fought with Rhaegar Targaryen and she still remembered the babe she had birthed stillborn during the rebellion. While Jacaerys had filled that hole somewhat, it had never fully healed and she knew she wouldn't be able to take it if something happened to any other babe she tried to bare.
She now stood with her Queen as they waited for the emissaries from Westeros to be brought to the Great Pyramid. Her eyes briefly flickered to the young girl who was standing opposite of her with Rhaegal and Silverwing settled behind her. She was the same age as Daenerys and Roslin, so Visenya had thought it was a good idea to keep her around. Missandei was slowly getting used to being free and being allowed the interact with other people without being punished. She had quickly grown close to Daenerys on their journey from Astapor to Meereen and Visenya had offered her to become a lady-in-waiting, calling her Lady Missandei of Naath and she was welcome to travel to the Seven Kingdoms with them. Missandei had two brothers who had become Unsullied. If she accepted Visenya's offer, they will become her sword guards and they would be able to stay together, given both men were officers in Visenya's arm and one hundred percent loyal to the Dragon Queen.
Lillian can't help but wonder as she looks at Irri and Jhiqui, the only survivors of Daeny's Dothraki handmaidens, if offering her this is the wrong thing. She still remembered the betrayal Daeny had suffered from her handmaiden Doreah while on the road to Astapor, who had been given to her by Viserys when they decided to travel to Vaes Dothrak. Doreah had been found trying to sell the Targaryen's back to Westeros, claiming she could kill them, because of their part in Viserys death. Ser Jorah had found her and taken her before Visenya. Doreah had lost her head for the betrayal. They had all be very cautious with new people ever since.
Missandei looked over her shoulder at the women who was offering her everything and thought of the stories she had heard about the Targaryen's when she was a child and even over the years since she had become a slave. This women seemed to embody everything ever said about them, a dragon rider, fierce, brave, loyal, kind but hard working to take her family home. She wondered what her brothers would say and she realized that if she accepted the Queen's offer, she would see them again. She had been thinking over the decision for moons now but hadn't been able to make a choice. What if her brothers didn't recognize her? she wasn't the little girl they had last seen. She wondered if they would be angry that they were forced to become Unsullied while she had become a translator. Her mind wandered to the last time she had seen them, smoking billowing from their village as they were dragged to separate boats and taken away from Naath. Marselen and Mossador had been older than her when it happened but she had never forgotten how they had fought to try and get to her. At that reminder, Missandei promised she would have a word with Visenya after this meeting and tell her she wanted to stay.
The dragons didn't even move as they heard the sounds of approaching footsteps echoing off the walls. Visenya's eyebrow raised, because it sounded like a large party, rather than the small one they were expecting. Valyrian, who had become very attached to his mother, felt her tense slightly and a growl had all the other dragons on alert. He watched anyone who went near her like a hawk, and because the two dragons were always together, Sunfyre followed his lead.
Anticipation filled everyone, even as the room swelled with tension as they waited. After sixteen years of exile, fighting off assassins, making alliances, they were finally ready to return home and Visenya was determined. Nothing would stop her from seating Jacaerys on the Iron Throne. Not the Lannister's, not the North, not even whatever was going on beyond The Wall.
The only thing that would stop her, was death.